I'm been making jewelry for almost 20 years, but designing professionally for only the last five, I am often flummoxed by the oxymoron of entrepreneur/artist.

My first career had a simpler learning curve . I wanted to be Lois Lane and was given that opportunity (or something like it) at the Buffalo News, San Antonio Light , Houston Chronicle and other publications. Covering toxic landfills, bank fraud and big deals seemed natural. I begged for my first typewriter at seven-years-of-age and had my first paid by-line at 15. Maybe I was just too young to fear what I didn't know.

But creating an actual item of special beauty for others to purchase is still an unfamiliar and exhiliarating experience that I - of course- need to write about. Thank you for sharing the adventure. .

Over the course of this year my business has been interrupted, delayed and derailed by all variety of insult and inconvenience from a hurricane to a collapsed clavicle. But 2017 is closing big.

Charlie and I are FINALLY going to Jablonec to meet the people who make my beads and buttons. Of course we'll detour for inspiration and Gluhwein at the Christmas Markets in Munich and Prague. Charlie has been so patient with and integral to the building of Bflo Boho -- the least I can do is join him for a couple of beer halls and a side trip to Pilsner. But it's all about the buttons and beads for me.

My thanks to so many people in Texas and New York who have built Bflo Boho with your support. My apologies for not "being there" for your Christmas shopping this year -- but fortunately there are so many great local artists to buy from wherever you are , I don't mind missing my turn this time around. This trip has been delayed too many times we are almost packed and ready to go.

And if you are lucky enough to live in Buffalo (or flying through for that matter) you can still pick up my work at Her Story in Elmwood Village and the Visit Buffalo Niagara shop at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. These are the only places left to get this year's ornament.

While I haven't been selling online or doing many shows -- I have been designing and producing like crazy (if one-handed for a couple of months). I have plenty of new designs and concepts to share with you in the New Year.